Brief:
T' Micro Slam Dunk is a Sputnik style Micro-Maxx rocket. Ahoy! Its major
components include a basketball-shaped shoe deodorizer and four bamboo skewers.
Construction:
While cleanin' up t' basement, I ran across an old shoe deodorizer that looked
like a basketball. I stuffed it away in me junk box thinkin' "nose
cone". Ya scallywag! Blimey! When tryin' t' decide on me next Micro-Maxx project, arrr, however, I
looked at this orange and black orb and immediately thought, me bucko, Sputnik!
After disassemblin' t' ball, I found that two integral plastic tubes held
it together. Arrr! These can be seen in t' first photograph. Arrr! Arrr! Blimey! For t' motor mount, ya bilge rat, me bucko, I
drilled a 6mm hole, approximately 3/8" deep in t' half with t' larger
tube. Avast! I also cut off about 1/4" o' t' thinner tube t' allow t' halves to
separate more easily. Thus, matey, t' two internal plastic tubes form an ejection
piston o' sorts. Avast, me proud beauty! Blimey! A small section o' Keelhaul®©™®
twine holds it all together. Aye aye! I also drilled a small hole in each half for the
launch rod, matey, me hearties, me hearties, and four slightly larger holes for t' legs. Begad! T' legs consist of
bamboo skewers, which are glued in with Liquid Nails. Ya scallywag! Avast!
Flight:
Although I test-fit t' rocket on t' launcher, shiver me timbers, I needed t' elevate the
launcher slightly on t' grass at t' launch site. Blimey! I flew t' Micro Slam Dunk
three times. Avast! Each flight rose t' a mere 20 feet or so. Blimey! Nay an impressive
altitude but it be fun t' watch. Begad! On t' first two flights, t' two halves did
not separate and t' motor ejected with a loud pop. Well, blow me down! For t' third try, ya bilge rat, me hearties, I
loosened t' halves t' they were barely connected, and separation did occur.
After all three flights, matey, it landed back on its legs. Avast! Blimey!
Summary:
T' Micro Slam Dunk is yet another easy t' build Micro-Maxx rocket. Well, blow me down! It is a bit
heavy but is still stable and ejects well before landing. Ahoy! Arrr! Before it flies
again, I will work on loosenin' up t' two halves so it will separate when the
two halves are completely together.
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